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Udupi : A Requiem Mass was held at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur on Tuesday morning, April 23, 2025 at 7 am in solemn remembrance of Pope Francis, whose passing has left a deep void in the hearts of the faithful across the globe.

A Requiem mass for the soul of Pope Francis was co-celebrated by Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Very Rev Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of Udupi diocese and Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Very Rev Fr. Stephen D’Souza, Chancellor of Udupi diocese, Rev Fr. Pradeep Cardoza, Rev Dr. Roque D’Souza, Parish priest of Mount Rosary, Rev Fr. Ronson D’Souza of Holy Cross Katpady along with diocesan priests.

Prior to the mass, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo gave respect to the Holy Father, known for his humility, compassion and unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalized. As we thank God for the papacy of Pope Francis and mourn his death, let us also resolve to cherish his good memory, follow his teachings and emulate his good example of promoting universal brotherhood and peace and care for nature and the less privileged in society. A portrait of the late Pontiff was placed at in front of Cathedral altar, surrounded by candles and floral tributes.

In his beautiful homily, Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves has expressed grief and said under Pope Francis leadership, significant achievements have been realized. His life and ministry have tremendously impacted, from congregations to global communities of religious and secular. As a pilgrim on earth, Pope Francis is also known as an apostle of the margins as he advocated for the rights of needy. This global Servant of Lord will be greatly missed by one and all. May the examples of tolerance, concern for the poor and the minors in society, respect, love and humility be emulated by all the faithful of different societies in the world today.

At the end of the Requiem mass, Bishop Gerald Issac Lobo, Vicar General Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves and all 14 diocesan priests participated, large number of nuns from three convents around, large number of faithful of Milagres Cathedral and Mount Rosary Church paid their respects to the Holy Father, Pope Francis portrait by floral tributes.